Book introduction
The book of 1 Chronicles
1 Chronicles retells Israel’s story for people back from exile. It opens with nine chapters of family lines from Adam on, then focuses on David, his preparations for the temple, and the worship he arranged.
Read 1 Chronicles 16Start at chapter 1
Who wrote 1 Chronicles?
The author is not named. Jewish tradition credited Ezra. Scholars often call the writer “the Chronicler” and many link the work to the same circle as Ezra and Nehemiah.
When was it written?
Written after the exile, likely 450–400 BC. Covers Adam to David’s death.
Main themes
- You still belong
- The family lines tell returned exiles they are part of the story.
- Worship at the center
- David’s care for the ark and the temple fills these pages.
- God’s promise to David stands
- The covenant from 2 Samuel 7 is retold here.
Outline of 1 Chronicles
Key verses
Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever, and his throne will be established forever.’
Yours, Yahweh, are the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, Yahweh, and you are exalted as head over all.
Quoted from the Lumin Translation.
Where to start
Chapter 16, David’s song when the ark arrives, is a good place to start.
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Questions about 1 Chronicles?
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